AC Shadows: The Most Vertical World in the Series?

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Summary

  • Assassin’s Creed Shadows may have the most vertical world yet due to its feudal Japan setting and new traversal mechanics.
  • Traditional Japanese architecture and natural landscape provide ample climbing opportunities in AC Shadows.
  • The grappling hook in AC Shadows implies increased verticality, potentially redefining vertical exploration in the series.

In the world of Assassin’s Creed, Parkour and exploration have always been key elements, and that trend continues with the upcoming release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows in March. As in past games, players will find themselves exploring a digitally crafted replica of historical landscapes and architecture found within Assassin’s Creed Shadows. These environments are designed to spark the player’s curiosity, encouraging them to deviate from the main path occasionally or simply to scale the tallest structures in this rendition of feudal Japan.

Among all previous games in the series, “Assassin’s Creed Shadows” seems poised to showcase the most vertically oriented game world within the franchise. This is largely due to its feudal Japan setting and fresh traversal techniques, suggesting a gaming environment that emphasizes verticality more than any other in the Assassin’s Creed series. From the footage we’ve seen so far, along with our understanding of feudal Japan’s architecture and geography, players may be stepping into a world that puts an unprecedented focus on vertical exploration within the series.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ World Might Be the Most Vertical One Yet

Traditional Japanese Architecture Encourages Verticality in Level Design

In contrast to previous Assassin’s Creed games, the world of Assassin’s Creed Shadows might offer a unique experience due to its focus on vertical architecture, which is characteristic of traditional Japanese style. While past Assassin’s Creed worlds have been expansive horizontally, featuring sprawling European castles and bustling cities for players to traverse, they have often emphasized height with their signature Viewpoints. It’s possible that this vertical design aspect will be more prominent in Assassin’s Creed Shadows.

In contrast to previous games in the series, Assassin’s Creed Shadows stands out with a chance to showcase the most vertically expansive world yet, primarily due to its feudal Japan backdrop and innovative navigation techniques.

Japanese fortresses frequently boasted stepped roofs, multiple-level towers resembling pagodas, and intricate networks of pathways that offered a variety of routes for players to navigate. Holy sites were often constructed on cliffsides or raised areas, naturally providing higher vantage points where players could survey the landscape in games like Assassin’s Creed Shadows, or simply appreciate the breathtaking views.

Japan’s Natural Landscape Could Offer More Climbing Opportunities Than Ever

In previous installments of the “Assassin’s Creed” series, we’ve seen a lot of flat terrains with occasional vertical elements. However, this might change in “Assassin’s Creed Shadows”, as the Feudal Japan setting is rich with vertical obstacles that could significantly impact movement and exploration. The geography of Japan features many steep hills, outcrops, and cliffs, which could potentially be scaled using the new parkour mechanics in “Assassin’s Creed Shadows”. Furthermore, Ubisoft has suggested that the world of “Assassin’s Creed Shadows” will include dark interiors and hidden tunnels, which represent a different form of verticality, going underground rather than upwards.

AC Shadows’ Grappling Hook Implies Increased Verticality

To summarize, the inclusion of the grappling hook in “Assassin’s Creed Shadows” signifies a heightened focus on vertical exploration and seamless traversal of taller buildings. Instead of just scaling or leaping from one rooftop to another, movements with the grappling hook could feel more effortless, enabling swifter and smoother vertical navigation than ever before. The grappling hook might also provide additional vertical access points, such as scaling walls, bypassing guarded gates, or even entering through windows.

In the game “Assassin’s Creed: Shadows”, if it further develops the mechanics introduced in “AC Syndicate”, there could be an additional feature for stealth takedowns, performed from above, utilizing the grappling hook as a tool.

Given the various aspects at play, it’s plausible that “Assassin’s Creed: Shadow” could revolutionize vertical exploration within the series. The blend of Japan’s inherently vertical landscape, its lofty architecture, and the innovative grappling hook might shape a world that is not only expansive but also multi-layered. If “Assassin’s Creed: Shadow” effectively utilizes these elements, gamers could discover an environment that stands out as unique compared to any preceding ones.

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2025-02-11 22:34